Skin Tightening Specialist

Ann Long, MD

Over the last two decades, there has been a 35% increase in the number of skin tightening procedures performed, and it’s still on an upward trend. Dr. Ann Long in Lower Manhattan, New York offers radiofrequency skin tightening, which reverses age-related skin sagging and stalls the effects of time. If you’d like to learn more about skin tightening, please call Dr. Long’s office or book an appointment online for a skincare consultation.

Skin Tightening Q & A

What are the benefits of skin tightening?

As you age, your skin produces less collagen and elastin, so it loses strength and resilience. Supporting connective tissues weaken, cushioning fat deep below your skin diminishes, and skin becomes dry. The net result is loose, sagging skin and wrinkles. Sun damage only speeds up the process.

Skin tightening through noninvasive or minimally invasive procedures can reverse the effects of time on your skin. It can be done anywhere on your body, but the areas most commonly tightened are the face, neck, back of the arms, upper chest, stomach, and thighs.

What happens when skin is tightened with radiofrequency energy?

The following changes take place when an area of skin and its underlying tissues are heated to a precise temperature using radiofrequency (RF) energy:

New elastic fiber formation: RF heat also stimulates elastin production

Improved circulation: Boosts blood and lymphatic flow

Fat cells breakdown: Controlled heat destroys fat cells

You get an immediate feeling of skin tightening as old collagen contracts. Then, as new collagen and elastin form and replace old tissues – a process called remodeling – your skin gains strength and noticeably tightens.

Dr. Long offers skin tightening using two cutting-edge devices, ThermiSmooth® Body and ThermiTight®.

How does ThermiTight improve skin tone?

ThermiTight tightens skin using radiofrequency waves, but it’s a unique, minimally invasive procedure in which Dr. Long inserts a thin probe under your skin. With such a small probe targeting a specific location, this method allows for precise skin tightening.

Once Dr. Long has the probe in place, she applies a controlled amount of heat through the probe to the tissues. The tip of the probe provides constant feedback that lets her monitor the temperature throughout your treatment.

With just one application, the treatment area goes through the remodeling process, and your skin tightens.

How does ThermiSmooth Body work?

ThermiSmooth Body also uses RF energy, but it’s a minimally invasive procedure performed using a larger device placed against your skin. Dr. Long gently moves the device over your skin in a circular motion as it sends RF energy into the tissues below.

The ThermiSmooth Body device covers a larger area, but it works on the same principle – RF energy heats the tissues, stimulates collagen and elastin production for skin tightening, and eliminates fat.